U.S. patent application number 10/643352 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-24 for adjustable shelving system.
Invention is credited to Metcalf, Derek.
Application Number | 20050039641 10/643352 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34193850 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050039641 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Metcalf, Derek |
February 24, 2005 |
Adjustable shelving system
Abstract
An adjustable shelving assembly and a support structure for
supporting the adjustable shelf assembly. The adjustable shelf
assembly may include at least one extension shelf unit, slidably
oriented with respect to a central shelf unit such that the width
and/or depth of the shelf may be adjusted. The adjustable shelf
assembly may be adjusted without removing the shelf from the
accompanying support structure or causing the central shelf unit to
be moved. The adjustable shelf assembly may also include structure
for receiving advertisements, product identifiers or the like.
Inventors: |
Metcalf, Derek; (Burr Ridge,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN S. PRATT, ESQ
KILPATRICK STOCKTON, LLP
1100 PEACHTREE STREET
ATLANTA
GA
30309
US
|
Family ID: |
34193850 |
Appl. No.: |
10/643352 |
Filed: |
August 19, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/106 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 96/025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/106 |
International
Class: |
A47B 009/00 |
Claims
1. An adjustable shelf assembly, comprising: (a) a central shelf
unit, the central shelf unit comprising a top surface, a front
edge, a rear edge, a first side edge and a second side edge; (b) a
first extension shelf unit, the first extension shelf unit slidably
oriented with respect to the central shelf unit such that the width
or depth of the adjustable shelving assembly may be increased by
extending and decreased by retracting the first extension shelf
unit with respect to the central shelf unit, the first extension
shelf unit slidably oriented with respect to the central shelf unit
such that retracted portions of the extension shelf unit are
located underneath the top surface of the central shelf unit, the
first extension shelf unit having a support surface, a front edge,
a rear edge, a distal side and a proximate side, the distal side
located distal to the central shelf unit relative to the proximate
side; and (c) at least one attachment member secured to a portion
of the central shelf unit such that when the attachment member is
secured to a support structure, the first extension shelf unit may
be extended or retracted with respect to the central shelf unit
without having to reposition the attachment member with respect to
the support structure.
2. The adjustable shelf assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
second extension shelf unit, the second extension shelf unit
slidably oriented with respect to the central shelf unit such that
the width of the adjustable shelving assembly may be increased by
extending and decreased by retracting the second extension shelf
unit with respect to the central shelf unit, the second extension
shelf unit slidably oriented with respect to the central shelf unit
such that retracted portions of the second extension shelf unit are
located underneath the top surface of the central shelf unit, the
second extension shelf unit having a support surface, a front edge,
a rear edge, a proximate side and a distal side, the distal side
located distal to the central shelf unit relative to the proximate
side.
3. The adjustable shelf assembly of claim 2, further comprising
interlocking members formed from portions of the first and second
extension shelf units, portions of the interlocking members of the
first extension shelf unit interlocking with portions of the
interlocking members of the second extension shelf unit when the
first and second extension shelf units are retracted with respect
to the central shelf unit.
4. The adjustable shelf assembly of claim 3, wherein the
interlocking members are fingers formed from bent wire.
5. The adjustable shelf assembly of claim 4, further comprising a
first stop, the first stop extending from the central shelf unit
such that the first stop engages an interior tip portion of a bent
wire finger of the first extension shelf unit, wherein engagement
of the interior tip portion with the first stop prevents further
extension of the first extension shelf unit.
6. The adjustable shelf assembly of claim 5, further comprising a
second stop, the second stop extending from the central shelf unit
such that the second stop engages an interior tip portion of a bent
wire finger of the second extension shelf unit, wherein engagement
of the interior tip portion with the second stop prevents further
extension of the second extension shelf unit.
7. The adjustable shelf assembly of claim 2, wherein the central
shelf unit does not move relative to the first and second extension
shelf units during extension and retraction of the extension shelf
units.
8. The adjustable shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the central
shelf unit further comprises a bottom surface and at least one
rail, wherein the central shelf unit top surface, bottom surface
and rail form a wire grid.
9. The adjustable shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment
members extend from the rear edge of the central shelf unit.
10. The adjustable shelf assembly of claim 9, wherein the
attachment members are formed from bent wire hooks.
11. The adjustable shelf assembly of claim 1, further comprising:
(a) a front member extending from the front edge of the central
shelf unit, the front member comprising an upper lip and a lower
lip; (b) a first side member extending from the front and distal
side edges of the first extension shelf unit, the first side member
having an upper lip and a lower lip; and (c) wherein portions of
the front member and first side member slidably cooperate with
respect to each other such that extension and retraction of the
first extension shelf unit is not substantially hindered.
12. The adjustable shelf assembly of claim 11, wherein the upper
and lower lips of the front member and first side members are
formed into channels, permitting the insertion of a flexible member
such that the flexible member is retained in between the upper and
lower lips.
13. An adjustable shelf assembly, comprising: (a) a central shelf
unit, the central shelf unit comprising a top surface, a front
edge, a rear edge, a first side edge and a second side edge; (b) a
first extension shelf unit, the first extension shelf unit slidably
arranged with respect to the central shelf unit such that the width
or depth of the adjustable shelving assembly may be increased by
extending and decreased by retracting the first extension shelf
unit with respect to the central shelf unit, the first extension
shelf unit having a support surface, a front edge, a rear edge, a
proximate side and a distal side, the distal side located distal to
the central shelf unit; (c) a front member secured to the front
edge of the central shelf unit, the front member having an upper
lip and a lower lip; and (d) wherein the upper and lower lips of
the front member are formed into channels, permitting the insertion
of a flexible member such that the flexible member is retained in
between the upper and lower lips.
14. The adjustable shelf assembly of claim 13, further comprising a
first side member secured to the front edge of the first extension
shelf unit, the first side member having an upper lip and a lower
lip; wherein portions of the front and first side members slidably
cooperate with respect to each other such that extension and
retraction of the first extension shelf unit is not substantially
hindered; and wherein the upper and lower lips of the first side
member are formed into channels, permitting the insertion of a
flexible member such that the flexible member is retained in
between the upper and lower lips of the first side member.
15. The adjustable shelf assembly of claim 14, wherein the first
side member is secured to the front and distal side edges of the
first extension shelf unit.
16. The adjustable shelf assembly of claim 14, further comprising a
rear member secured to the rear edge of the central shelf unit, the
rear member having an upper lip and a lower lip; wherein portions
of the rear and first side members slidably cooperate with respect
to each other such that extension and retraction of the first
extension shelf unit is not substantially hindered.
17. A shelving assembly with adjustable shelves, comprising: (a) at
least one adjustable shelf unit, the adjustable shelf unit
comprising: (i) a central shelf unit, the central shelf unit having
a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, a rear edge, a first
side edge and a second side edge; (ii) a first extension shelf
unit, the first extension shelf unit slidably oriented with respect
to the central shelf unit such that the width of the adjustable
shelving assembly may be increased by extending and decreased by
retracting the first extension shelf unit with respect to the
central shelf unit, the first extension shelf unit slidably
oriented with respect to the central shelf unit such that retracted
portions of the extension shelf unit are located underneath the top
surface of the central shelf unit, the first extension shelf unit
having a support surface, a front edge, a rear edge, a proximate
side and a distal side, the distal side located distal to the
central shelf unit; and (iii) at least one attachment member
secured to a portion of the central shelf unit; (b) a support
structure secured to the attachment member; and (c) wherein
extension and retraction of the extension shelf unit with respect
to the central shelf unit does not require repositioning the
attachment member with respect to the support structure.
18. The shelving assembly with adjustable shelves of claim 15,
wherein the support structure is formed from a bent wire stand and
the at least one attachment member is formed from at least one bent
wire hook.
19. The shelving assembly with adjustable shelves of claim 15,
wherein the support structure is formed from a peg board and the at
least one attachment member is formed from at least one bent wire
hook.
20. The shelving assembly with adjustable shelves of claim 15,
wherein the support structure is formed from at least one wall
mounted bracket and the at least one attachment member is formed
from at least one bracket receiver.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The floor plans of convenience stores and other retail
establishments may vary widely from location to location.
Consequently, the space available for a particular product display
will also vary widely. In such circumstances, it may be desirable
to provide a product display or other type of shelving system that
can be adapted quickly, easily, and/or inexpensively to fit the
available space. Shelving systems including shelves with adjustable
widths and/or depths may be used as product displays that are
quickly, easily, and/or inexpensively tailored to fit the unique
location where they will be used.
[0002] Adjustable shelving systems may also be useful when it
becomes necessary to rearrange shelving in a particular location in
response to changing needs, desires, or available space. For
instance, convenience store operators may wish to rearrange product
displays from time to time. Such rearrangement may be needed or
desired in response to changing inventory, the installation of new
equipment, rollout of a new product, or other changes affecting the
amount of space available for a particular display. By using an
adjustable shelving system, store operators may simply adjust the
width and/or depth of the adjustable shelves to maximize the
shelving area available for displaying product while avoiding the
extra time and expense required to reconfigure a non-adjustable
system or purchase or obtain a new product display.
[0003] Previous adjustable shelves, such as the ones disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,332,548 and 6,142,321 both to West and both
entitled `Adjustable Shelving Apparatus,` may be formed from two
halves, slidably joined together by a number of interlocking
channel and groove structures. The channel and groove structures
permit the shelf halves to slide relative to one another such that
the widths of the shelves may be increased or decreased as desired.
These previous shelf structures are limited, however, because the
shelf structures cannot be adjusted without also modifying or
reconfiguring accompanying structure supporting the shelf
structures. Because both halves of the shelves move during
adjustment, adjustment of the shelves may not be accomplished
without disconnecting the shelves from the accompanying support
structure or modifying the shelf or the support structure.
Moreover, because both halves of the shelves slide relative to each
other, adjustment of the shelves may not be done without disturbing
product displayed on the shelf Also problematically, previous
adjustable shelves do not provide structures for the placement of
advertisements, pricing information, product identifiers or other
information on the shelf that does not have to be removed or
repositioned during or after adjustment of the shelf width.
SUMMARY
[0004] Various embodiments of the present invention include an
adjustable shelving system including at least one adjustable shelf
that includes a non-moving central portion such that the shelf may
be adjusted without removing the shelf from accompanying support
structure or modifying the shelf or the support structure. In some
embodiments, adjustment of the shelf may be accomplished without
disturbing product or other items located on some portions of the
shelf. Additionally, in some embodiments, the shelf may include
structures for the placement of advertisements, pricing
information, product identifiers or other information on the shelf
that do not have to be removed or modified during or after
adjustment of the shelf width and/or depth.
[0005] In various embodiments of the present invention, the shelf's
dimensions may be adjusted by sliding one or more extension shelf
units with respect to a central shelf unit. The extension shelf
units may be slidably connected to the central shelf unit such that
the dimensions of the shelf may be adjusted by sliding the
extension shelf units into or out of the central shelf unit. The
central shelf unit may be secured to a support structure, such as a
wire stand. Consequently, only the extension shelf units, not the
central shelf unit, move relative to the support structure during
adjustment. Because the central shelf unit does not move relative
to the support structure, adjustment of the shelf dimensions does
not require removing the shelf from the support structure.
Additionally, because the central shelf unit does not move relative
to the support structure during adjustment, product located on the
central shelf unit, as well as any product identifiers,
advertisements or other material located on the central shelf unit,
may be undisturbed during shelf adjustment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 shows an adjustable shelf assembly in a retracted
orientation according to certain embodiments of the present
invention in perspective view.
[0007] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the adjustable shelf assembly of
FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the adjustable shelf assembly
of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the adjustable shelf assembly
of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the adjustable shelf assembly of
FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the adjustable shelf assembly of
FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the adjustable shelf
assembly of FIG. 1 in an extended orientation.
[0013] FIG. 8 shows a top view of the adjustable shelf assembly of
FIG. 7.
[0014] FIG. 9 shows an adjustable shelf assembly in a retracted
orientation according to certain embodiments of the present
invention in perspective view.
[0015] FIG. 10 shows a shelving assembly with an adjustable shelf
according to certain embodiments of the present invention in
perspective view.
[0016] FIG. 11 shows a rear view of an adjustable shelf assembly in
an extended orientation according to certain embodiments of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 12 shows a top view of the adjustable shelf assembly of
FIG. 11.
[0018] FIG. 13 shows a side view of the adjustable shelf assembly
of FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] FIG. 1 shows an adjustable shelf assembly 10 according to
certain embodiments of the present invention. The adjustable shelf
assembly 10 includes a first extension shelf unit 38 and a second
extension shelf unit 64. However, according to other embodiments of
the invention, an adjustable shelf assembly may include only one
extension shelf unit or multiple extension shelf units. As shown in
FIG. 1, first and second extension shelf units 38 and 64 are
slidably secured to a central shelf unit 14. The central shelf unit
14 has a top surface 16, a bottom surface 18, a front edge 20, a
rear edge 22, a first side edge 24 (shown in FIG. 2) and a second
side edge 26. Top surface 16 and bottom surface 18 may be formed
from any desired material. As shown in FIG. 1, the top and bottom
surfaces of central shelf unit 16 and 18 in connection with rails
82 form a wire grid. As shown in FIG. 1, portions of the first and
second extension shelf units 38 and 64 are located between the top
and bottom surfaces of central shelf unit 16 and 18. In some
embodiments, the central shelf unit does not have a bottom surface.
In those embodiments, portions of the one or more extension shelf
units are preferably located underneath the top surface of the
central shelf unit.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, first extension shelf unit 38 has a
support surface 40, a front edge 42 (shown in FIG. 7), a rear edge
44, a distal side 48 and a proximate side 90. The distal side of
the first extension shelf unit 48 is located distal to the central
shelf unit 14 relative to the proximate side 90. Support surface 40
may be formed from any desired material. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 2, support surface 40 is formed from bent wire.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, second extension shelf unit 64 has a
support surface 66, a front edge 68 (shown in FIG. 7), a rear edge
70, a distal side 74 and a proximate side 92. The distal side of
the second extension shelf unit 74 is located distal to the central
shelf unit 14 relative to the proximate side 92. Support surface 66
may be formed from any desired material. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 2, support surface 66 is formed from bent wire.
[0022] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-10, the width of the
adjustable shelf assembly 10 may be adjusted by sliding the first
extension shelf unit 38 and/or the second extension shelf unit 64
relative to the central shelf unit 14. Extending either the first
or second extension shelf unit 38 or 64 relative to the central
shelf unit 14 increases the width of the adjustable shelf assembly
10. Retracting either the first or second extension shelf unit 38
or 64 relative to the central shelf unit 14 decreases the width of
the adjustable shelf assembly 10. FIGS. 1-6 and 9 show an
adjustable shelf assembly 10 in a fully retracted orientation.
FIGS. 7 and 8 show an adjustable shelf assembly 10 in a fully
extended orientation.
[0023] Adjustable shelf assembly 10 may be created in any desired
dimensions. In certain embodiments, adjustable shelf assembly 10 is
fully adjustable between widths of 9 and 14 inches. Such a size is
preferred for countertop product displays proximate to a point of
sale or proximate to various dispensers including coffee or soda
machines. However, adjustable shelf assembly 10 may have larger
dimensions. Larger dimensioned shelves may be desired for large
product displays or for accompanying large items such as coolers.
Larger dimensioned shelves may also be desirable in other types of
retail establishments.
[0024] In other embodiments of the present invention, an adjustable
shelf assembly may include an extension shelf unit slidably
oriented with respect to a central shelf unit such that the depth
of the adjustable shelf assembly may be increased or decreased by
extending or retracting the extension shelf unit with respect to
the central shelf unit. Such extension shelf unit permitting depth
adjustment may be formed and may function in a similar manner to
extension shelf units 38 and 64 depicted in FIG. 1. In still other
embodiments, an adjustable shelf assembly may include extension
shelf units for adjusting width as well as extension shelf units
for adjusting depth.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, when first and second extension shelf
units 38 and 64 are in a retracted orientation, interlocking
members 50 and 76 of the first and second extension shelf units 38
and 64 interlock with one another. Interlocking members 50 and 76
are formed from portions of the support surfaces of first and
second extension shelf units 40 and 66. Interlocking members 50 and
76 may be formed from any suitable material into any suitable
shape. As shown in FIG. 1, interlocking members 50 and 76 are
formed into fingers from bent wire. The interlocking members 50 and
76 are staggered relative to each other such that portions of the
first and second extension shelf units 38 and 64 may interlock with
one another when in a retracted orientation. As shown in FIG. 1,
extension and retraction of first and second extension shelf units
38 and 64 are guided by the sliding interaction of interlocking
members 50 and 76. Additionally, extension and retraction may be
guided by the sliding interaction of interlocking members 50 and 76
with guide rails 82.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, central shelf unit 14 may include stops
28 downwardly extending from a portion of the top surface 16. Stops
28 are oriented to interact with interior tip portions of first and
second extension shelf units 52 and 78 when first and second
extension shelf units 38 and 64 are fully extended. Interior tip
portions of first and second extension shelf units 52 and 78 are
located proximate to the proximate sides of first and second
extension shelf units 90 and 92 respectively. Stops 28 may be
formed from any suitable material into any suitable shape. As shown
in FIG. 3, stops 28 may be metal rivets. In other embodiments,
stops 28 are not necessary, rather other portions of an adjustable
shelf assembly may prevent further extension once an extension
shelf unit is fully extended.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the central shelf unit includes
attachment members 60. Attachment members 60 may be of any suitable
shape and formed from any suitable material. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1, attachment members 60 are hooks formed from bent
wire extending from the central shelf unit rear edge 22. As shown
in FIG. 10, attachment members 60 permit adjustable shelf assembly
to be secured to a support structure 62. Support structure 62 may
be any suitable structure capable of supporting adjustable shelf
assembly 10, such as a wire rack, a power wing, a peg board, a wall
mounted bracket or any other appropriate structure. As shown in
FIG. 10, support structure 62 may be a rack formed from bent wire.
Although only one adjustable shelf assembly 10 is depicted in FIG.
10, it should be readily understood that multiple adjustable shelf
assemblies 10 may be secured to a single support structure 62.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 9, the adjustable shelf assembly 10 may
include structure for receiving a flexible member 80, such as a
product identifier, price listing, advertisement or any other
desired matter. As shown in FIG. 9, a front member 32 on central
shelf unit 14 includes an upper lip 34 and a lower lip 36. Upper
and lower lips 34 and 36 are formed into channels suitable for
slidably receiving an appropriately sized flexible member 80. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, adjustable shelf assembly 10 also
includes first and second side members 54 and 84 secured to first
and second extension shelf units 38 and 64 respectively. FIG. 9
shows first and second side members 54 and 84, which are preferably
L-shaped and secured to the front and distal side edges of first
and second extension shelf units 42, 48, 68 and 74 respectively.
First and second side members 54 and 84 are slidably coupled to
front member 32 such that extension and retraction of first and
second extension shelf units 38 and 64 is not substantially
inhibited. First and second side members 54 and 84 include upper
and lower lips 56, 58, 86 and 88 respectively such that the same,
or different, flexible members 80 may be inserted into the channels
formed by the lips 56, 58, 86 and 88.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 11-13, the adjustable shelf assembly 10
may comprise a rear member 94 in addition to front member 32. Rear
member 94 may be formed and shaped similarly to front member 32,
and may interact with first and second side members 54 and 84 in a
similar fashion as first and second side members 54 and 84 interact
with front member 32. The rear member 94 may receive the same, or a
different, flexible member as front member 32. The rear member 94
on central shelf unit 14 includes an upper lip 96 and a lower lip
98. The upper and lower lips 96 and 98 are formed into channels
suitable for slidably receiving an appropriately sized flexible
member 80. In some of the embodiments that include the rear member
94, the side members 54 and 84 are preferably C-shaped, rather than
L-shaped. The first and second side members 54 and 84 are slidably
coupled to rear member 32 such that extension and retraction of
first and second extension shelf units 38 and 64 is not
substantially inhibited.
[0030] Changes and modifications, additions and deletions may be
made to the structures recited above and shown in the drawings
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
* * * * *